Couple married for 75 years renew vows at nursing home

Monday, August 1, 2016
Couple married for 75 years renew vows at Poughkeepsie nursing home
Tim Fleischer has the heart-warming story.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (WPVI) -- Coming down the aisle, Elizabeth Gfatter could not help but shed a tear in this moment for her husband, Karl, the man she has loved over 75 years.

Renewing their wedding vows, Karl and Elizabeth show just how strong their love has been and will be.

"Love and honesty...and be good to each other," says Elizabeth.

The Gfatters, who just moved into the River Valley Care Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, have been overwhelmed that staff and administrators wanted to celebrate this special occasion.

"Staff and residents alike. Everyone is so excited to celebrate - a beautiful celebration in general," said Regional Administrator Dan Muskin.

Karl and Elizabeth met as children, later dated in high school, and after that, Karl proposed.

"We eloped because they didn't want us to get married yet - they said we were too young," adds Elizabeth.

After a church wedding, Karl's father bet him the marriage would not last.

"He said, 'I'll tell you what, if it lasts more than a year I'll give you 100 bucks,'" said Karl.

He paid in cash, and their love flourished. Karl went off to war, and later they had a daughter, who passed away in 2015. However, one thing was constant.

"He just said he loved me, and that's all that mattered," said Elizabeth.

Karl and Elizabeth kissed each other, their love stronger than ever after 75 wonderful years.